Daeltaja wrote:
And to any seasoned veterans of Demon Souls, what would be a good balanced class to pick for someone starting out in Dark Souls? Different game I know, but from what I've read, the mechanics are all largely the same.

I really suck at starting games again so I hope to make the right class choice first time around!

It's difficult to say, a lot depends on the different classes' starting gear (rather than stats which don't really matter at the beginning). Don't be afraid to start a new character if things aren't to your liking early on. Someone who already has it (hate you) will be of more help.